:jii. HANDY MAX ON i"HL FARM. 



833 



The chains pass through two rings on each side of the backhand, and are 

 held up behind by hip-3traps. These atraps should be of such a Length that 

 they prevent the chains and spreader dropping too low (Fig. 2). The chains 

 must not be held too high by them, or the horse will pull down against his 

 own hack; neither should they be too low. 



F'g. 2. — Leading Harness. 

 Showing the correct points of attachment of backhand, hip-straps, and spreader to the chains. 



The right point for the attachment of the hip-straps to the chains is 

 about 6 or 8 links in front of the spreader. A carriei'-strap is frequently 

 brought clown over the hips and attached to the spreader. This should be 

 buckled round the spreader about 6 inches in from the chain. 



The spreader keeps the chains apart and prevents them from coming in 

 contact with the horse's sides. It should be attached to the chains imme- 

 diately behind the horse, hut leaving sufficient space for the free movement 

 of the legs. When the chains are tight the spreader should be just a shade 

 behind a perpendicular line through the hocks. 



Dray Harness. 



The winkers, collar, and hames may be those used in plough harness, but 

 they are often more elaborately mounted. This, however, does not add to 

 their utility. The hames may have tug-chains attached, or may be fitted 

 with hooks for the attachment of separate tugs. A saddle is used to carry 

 the shafts, and attached to this is the breeching, designed to hold the saddle 

 in position, and to enable the dray to be held back by the breeching-chains. 

 The saddle consists essentially of pads to protect the back, and a groove to 

 carry the back-chain. It must be well stuffed and properly adjusted to 

 prevent injury to the back. Galls are almost as frequently caused by ill- 

 fitting saddles as by collars. 



The shafts are supported by the back -chain, which passes over the saddle 

 and is attached to hooks on the runners or travelling bars on the shafts. 

 The runners should have their centres directly perpendicular with the 

 groove on the saddle when the tug-chains are tight. They are sometimes 

 placed in the wrong position, and must be shifted. 



The back-chain should not be too long nor too short. When the shafts are 

 hooked up the points should be about 3 inches below where the tug-chains 

 leave the hames. If hooked up too short the horse actually pulls against 

 himself. 



